Prime Minister Julia Gillard has announced that the Australian government will provide a free QANTAS evacuation flight on Wednesday for Australians in Egypt.

The government will charter a 747 to evacuate Australians wishing to leave Egypt. Gillard said Australians were not advised to cancel commercial bookings because the Cairo airport is open and commercial flights are leaving. However, no Australian would be denied a seat on the chartered flight. The plane will fly to Frankfurt or London.

Australians in Egypt can call the Australian embassy in Cairo on 202 2575 0444. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) number from outside Australia is 61 2 6261 3305. Calls from within Australia should use 02 6261 3305.

Listen to Gillard’s press conference. (17m)

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